Chapter 21
New Year's Eve.
Jace didn't speak the rest of the night. He just lay protectively in the arms of his redheaded angel. It was strange how she was able to calm him down and make him feel safe. After what felt like hours Jace's mind finally gave way to sleep. It was 6 am when he finally opened his eyes. Clary still had her arms wrapped around him, kissing his forehead sweetly. "Time to get up rock star. You have an appointment with the big city today." She teased sweetly. Jace smiled burying his head in her cleavage. Her shirt had been pulled down in sleep and now revealed a great deal of her chest. He mischievously began licking the sensitive flesh that was exposed to him. "You're naughty. You know you have a plane to catch." She scolded. Jace could hear the lust in her voice. "You could join me for a shower?" he asked seductively. Her green eyes sparkled. "I doubt I would get very clean if I joined you." She smiled. Jace's bright grin beamed with wicked delight. "No, I don't think there would be much cleaning doing on at all." The blonde whispered. Clary was about to lean up and kiss him when there was a loud knock on the bedroom door. The man sighed loudly. "Yes?" he asked. Apparently 'yes' meant the same as 'come in' to James because as soon as Jace spoke his little brother came rushing in. "Jace! I wanted to see you before you left." The little boy beamed.
Little James ran forward and jumped onto the bed positioning himself right between Clary and his older brother. The little boy hugged him and snuggled into his chest. "Do you have to go?" James peeped. Jace's face fell. "I'm sorry James but I've got to work. I have to practice for the New Year's Eve show tomorrow. Are you going to watch me on T.V?" he asked. James nodded his head. "Mommy already said I could stay up!" he smiled. Jace grinned and ruffled his hair. "Alright, I have to get ready. Maybe you can go and start breakfast with Clary." Jace suggested. "Oh daddy already woke up early and it making bacon and eggs," James announced happily. The couple rose an eyebrow but Clary acted first. "Okay, James. Go and help daddy. Jace and I are going to get ready and join you in a few minutes. Ok?" she asked. The small boy nodded jumping off the bed and sprinting out of the room. "Daddy! I got them up!" he cheered. "So much for morning sex." He whispered. The redhead gave him a small smile standing up and locking the door. Jace watched his girlfriend walk across the room making her way to the bathroom. "You can still catch a quickie if you jump in the shower." She announced turning and walking into the bathroom. Jace's jaw dropped as he quickly jumped out of the bed and followed her.
After a very delightful shower, Jace and Clary joined the rest of the family at the table. It was clear by her mother's disapproving look that she noticed both of them had wet hair. Jace's father and stepfather, on the other hand, were beaming. His father kept eyeing the ring that Jace still wore on his hand and Amatis was smiling at how Jace continued talking to James. The little boy was so ecstatic to have his big brother around that it was going to be hard for Jace to leave. However, he knew he had to leave. Jace was flying out to New York for New Year's Eve to host the ball drop with the Victoria Secret models. The gig was what most guys would kill for but Jace had Clary. Clary, the beautiful girl who stole his heart not once but twice now. Damn, this woman had him questioning all of his ways. He never understood how some people could commit to one person for their entire lives but now that he was with her; Jace was beginning to understand. He cared a great deal about Clary, perhaps even loved her and the thought left him scared shitless. After breakfast, the group walked him out to the yard where Bat was waiting with a car. Maia gave him a small wave as she stepped out with her suitcase. She and Clary were going to be flying back to Vegas with the others, later on, today. He gave his little brother a hug before turning and kissing Clary. He would miss her but he was happy to finally have some time alone to think.
It wasn't just about going to New York to perform at Times Square during New Year's Eve. This was also the kick off to the release of his new album. He had been working on it nonstop for the last year and had been pretty happy with it. That was of course till the record manager heard it. Apparently, it didn't fit with his bad boy rock-pop vibe and the company pushed him to change a lot of it. The lyrics stayed the same but the tempo was pop and light when some of the notes should have been slow and dark. Jace's hands were tied so he just had to grin and bear it. Deep down though he didn't like it and not likening your own songs was pretty discouraging. Now to top everything off things were weird with his father. The hatred he had felt towards the man had turned now to bitterness and remorse. He wasn't ready to hug the man but it progressed from where they had been at before. He looked down and admired the silver Herondale ring on his finger. Despite the feelings for his father, the ring made him feel more connected to James and to a family in general. He was welcomed as a Lightwood but he knew he never really was on. He was a Herondale, just like his little brother James. The ring reminded him that he did have a family; he wasn't all alone. That warmed his heart and he had yet to take the ring off the entire flight.
Jace got off of the plane at JFK and was rushed into a car. Bat sat beside him quietly as he looked out the window. Jace had fallen asleep shortly after take-off since he didn't get much sleep last night. The first class seats were comfortable and private. He didn't normally fly on a regular plane since the company usually sent a jet. It was refreshing to be treated like a regular persona and not a superstar. Of course, the flight staff knew who he was but the passengers didn't. He had woken up through the long six-hour flight and found Bat fast asleep beside him. Apparently, Maia had kept him up too. The man awoke during landing. The air was cold and he wished he had worn a warmer jacket. Being on the West coast between Vegas and L.A for so long made him forget just how cold New York was. "So how are things with Maia?" Jace asked trying to break the deafening silence of the car. "It's going well actually; can't complain," Bat replied gazing anxiously at his phone. Jace noticed his stare and smiled. "Don't worry, they will call you. You killed it that night at One Oak." He replied. At this Bat bolted up in his chair and looked at him in amazement.
"What? How did you know?" Bat asked confused. Jace stared at him. Bat rarely showed emotion especially surprise. "Bro, you are constantly by my side. I may be blonde but give me some credit. I am not that oblivious. Maia told us so Clary and I went to the club that night you were auditioning for support. I wish you would have told me that you wanted to get into Djing, Bat. I could have gotten you in a lot sooner. You have talent." Jace explained. Bat did vaguely remember Maia disappearing at various points in the night but he was so focused that he couldn't believe he didn't spot Jace. "Did you go there…alone?" he asked suddenly. Jace's smile faded. "Technically, I had a bodyguard from the club." He replied. "And did you stay with that man the entire night?" Bat accused. Damn him for knowing him well enough to see through his words. "Most of the night but it's okay because nothing happened. I stayed in the VIP area the entire night. Now, enough about me lets go back to you and how you killed it that night." Jace smiled. The tall brown eyed man frowned. "You didn't say anything during my tryout did you?" Bat blinked looking uncomfortable.
"Truthfully I wanted to man but Clary told me not to. She said you wanted to do it on your own and didn't want any help. Which I get but with that industry it really is who you know, Bat. That's all music regardless how talented you are." Jace argued. Bat grunted and looked out of the window. The car was reaching the hotel that they would be staying at for the night. It was near Times Square and would make it easier to commute to the stage area tomorrow. "Just for the record. That means no. I wanted to say something but I didn't. Now say something because you're freaking me out." The blonde demanded. Bat shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "Thanks. I just didn't want to get you involved. I know how this industry works and I didn't want you to feel like I was using you to get ahead. I know people suck up to you but I'm not like that." Bat blurted out. It was clear from his expression that he hadn't intended for his words to come out like that. Jace wasn't upset, though. He actually found it amusing and laughed. He knew that artists sucked up to him to help get their name out there. He had a variety of dating requests in order to up his image. Jace declined of course. He didn't need the PR and the bad boy image didn't really allow for dating. Still, it was his life. The company had to deal with him dating Clary. After the Hard Rock, there was a number of photographs taken of them. It seemed no matter where they went the paparazzi was there. That was probably why Bat was so concerned he had no protection at the club.
"That is what this is about? You don't want me to think you're using me? Come on Bat! We have been friends for over a year now. You are one of the best bodyguards I've had. It anything I would sabotage you so I didn't have to end up with some new muscle head who can't carry on a conversation." Jace argued. Bat rose an eyebrow. "Musclehead huh?" he teased. Jace laughed again. "What? Did you think they just hired you for your good looks?" The blonde teased. "I actually thought it was because I was the only one willing to put up with your ass, Mr. Fabulous." Bat retorted. Though, the man was flattered that Jace cared enough to show up. It's not that he didn't think Jace was kind it's just that he had been on his own for so long he had to remind himself that people did care about him. Maia had pushed him to open up but Bat still fought her. He didn't mind letting the beauty see his real side; the warm part of him that was a contrast to his dark, cold and aloof persona. It was unprofessional he couldn't deny that but it felt right. Jace was more than his client; he really was his friend.
The car pulled in front of the hotel and the driver was getting out, ready to open their door. "Thanks for not saying anything at One Oak. It means a lot that you didn't interfere. I know I could drop your name but I want to get in based on my own merit." Bat spoke grabbing the door handle. "No problem. I wouldn't dream of saying anything to the One Oak People, Bat." Jace smiled mischievously. "Now the New York club people are a different story." He announced with a wide grin, quickly getting out of the car. Bat stared at him in shock as the words sunk in. What an ass! He thought as he rushed out of the car to assist the hotel security in keeping his "friend" from being torn to pieces by screaming fans. Though at this point he was half tempted to "accidently let" one fan get through. He liked Clary too much to allow anything to happen to her man.
Back on the west coast Clary and the gang had just landed at McCarran airport in Las Vegas safely. Clary was still a bit on edge from the conversation her mother had with her when she came back into the house. Jocelyn had sat Clary down on the couch and asked her repeatedly if she was sure Jace was a good choice for a boyfriend. Apparently, her mother had been searching the internet and brought up every unfavorable tabloid about her boyfriend imaginable. The poor redhead felt embarrassed that her mother would be bringing this up while Amatis and Stephen were still in the house. "Mom I can trust Jace. I had been a bit worried when we first started dating. So yes, I understand your concern but he has proven himself beyond trustworthy. He literally doesn't look at any girl when I am around and hasn't gone out drinking. Not even for a club appearance." Clary protested. "I know you like him but nothing good will come of this. Leopards never change their spots." Her mother warned. "Lucky he isn't a leopard then. I know what I am doing mother. I trust him." She replied sternly. Jocelyn huffed crossing her arms. She wanted to say something else but Amatis came into the living room at that moment. Clary swore Amatis did it on purpose to save her from her mother. She had to remember to thank that woman next time she saw her.
Clary sighed. She couldn't help but miss the handsome rock star. She would give anything to be in New York with him right now but her hands were tied. New Year's Eve was the biggest holiday in the night club industry. Overall it was a pretty easy night. It was a $200 charge per person to get in and it included a champagne toast at midnight. The club was a prime spot since it had the open rooftop view of the fireworks. The club also had Drake performing throughout the night so it was sure to be eventful. Only those high up on the seniority list got the night off. Not that many wanted it off. It was one of the biggest money-making nights of the year. Clary appreciated Jace buying her the plane ticket to visit California for Christmas but she didn't want to burden him anymore. She was with him for him, not his money and she never wanted that to come into question. She would get through this. New Year's Eve wasn't so bad. The only downside was avoiding the drunk guys who tried to get a New Year's kiss at midnight.
Clary stopped walking for a moment lost in thought. Isabelle and Maia looked at her while the boys oblivious continued down the airport walkway towards baggage claim. "What's wrong Clair?" Maia asked. "Nothing, I'm just thinking about Jace in New York with those models. You don't think he is going to kiss any of them do you?" She asked meekly. She knew she was letting her mother's words get to her. Isabelle glanced ahead at the boys who finally seemed to notice that the girls were no longer following them. "No Clary, I don't think he would. That boy is crazy about you. You're better than any Victoria Secret model on the planet in his eyes." Izzy said reassuringly. "Actually, he is supposed to kiss Miss Universe at midnight. He didn't tell you about the publicity stunt?" Alec asked as the girls caught up. The rest of them looked at him dumbfounded; including Magnus. "Alec, really?" Magnus asked in disbelief. "Of course not! Come on guys would I ever schedule that? Even if I didn't have any respect for Clary it is just distasteful." Alec retorted playfully. It seemed the cold and aloof Alec that had disliked Clary so blatantly in the past was gone. "That was a nice one Alec. You should have seen Clary's face." Simon teased raising his hand to give him a fist pump. The death stare that the girls shot them made them freeze in their tracks. "If looks could kill." Magnus chuckled nudging his boyfriend lightly in the side.
New Year's Eve came quickly. Before Jace knew it he was stepping out on the Times Square stage. The cold air numbed his skin as he approached the microphone. The blaring audience of drunk people clinging to their thick coats as alcohol warmed their cheeks was thrilling. He wished he had his red head here to cuddle with and to keep him warm. He understood that she couldn't be here and a part of him knew that he had better get used to it. He couldn't ask Clary to quit her job and travel with him on tour. Though, he would be lying if the thought hadn't crossed his mind. Perhaps in a few months, he would get up the nerve to ask her. He smiled at the thought of falling asleep with her every night. The crowd grew louder as he took his place at the microphone. He was going to sing four songs; three favorites and one from his new cd. The record was still pretty skeptical of the cd despite the changes. They had decided to release a demo album before moving forward on the entire album. Jace had to keep his mouth shut and choose his battles. The younger hot-headed Jace would have told them off but he was older now. He knew how the industry worked and he knew he just had to bide his time. Take his victories where he could get them and right now it was a victory that they were at least using his lyrics.
The music blared as he began the first song. Despite the cold temperature the crowd was alert and the energy was fantastic. He could feel himself get lost in the high of performing. It was the only high he allowed himself to have any more. Since meeting James and now Clary he hadn't done drugs or gotten black out drunk in a while. It wasn't something he missed or wanted to go back to either. The third song ended as he smiled. Now it was his time to shine. If the performance went well the record company would let him continue to write. He enjoyed writing lyrics instead of relying solely on others to write them. "This is a new song from the upcoming demo. I hope you enjoy it New York!" he shouted into the mic. The crowd screamed with anticipation. This was one of the better songs on the album. Although he had written it to be slow, it still worked with the pop influence.
(Copyright One Republic – Counting Stars)
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard,
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars,
Yeah we'll be counting stars
The crowd bobbed their heads up and down as he got lost in the performance once more. He finished the last verse just before midnight. When the song was over he felt joy as well as relief. It was two minutes till midnight and the Victoria Secret models took the stage. He missed Clary and wished she was here. He wanted to ring in the new years with her and be her first kiss of the New Year. The models hurried over and surrounded him. He was used to this but one of the girls was uncomfortably close. Jace wasn't stupid. He knew what she was doing or rather trying to do. He met Bat's eyes reading the same understanding on his bodyguard's face. He hated when girls threw themselves at him. The crowd began to count down as the glass ball began to lower itself. Jace smiled looking at the crystal light. Goodbye, old year and good riddance. He couldn't wait to spend the New Year releasing his new cd, spending time with his friends, finding a way to drag Clary on tour with him and even seeing more of his family. "Zero!" the crowd roared.
"Happy New Year, Jace." The model beside him said. He was about to tell her the same when the girls lips locked onto his. He was so shocked that he didn't push her away and couldn't. Not with all of the cameras pointed at him. He didn't return the kiss and managed to silently step away effectively breaking it. Of course, it was too late by then. The cameras were on him and it was only then he remembered where he recognized the women from. It was Steelie, one of the Victoria Secret models he had hooked up with after a photo shoot two years ago. Oh great, he thought. Clary was going to have his head or worse his balls. Steelie smiled at him seductively. "Want to go back to the room and help me warm up?" she teased. "I have a girlfriend that I now have to go cool things over with thanks to you." Jace hissed with ill-conceived rage. Steelie didn't seem put off by this in the slightest.
"Oh come on Jacey. It was just a kiss if she doesn't understand that then you're better off without her." She smiled quite happy with the situation she had caused. Jace's eyes grew darker as his lips formed a thin line. "You're just not happy unless you are causing drama are you Steelie? It's really unattractive." He smiled a blatant warning before walking off the stage. Bat came up behind him silently. "What do you think are the chances that the camera didn't catch that?" Jace asked. He could hear the sheer panic in his voice now. "Considering you have five missed calls from Alec, not likely." He retorted. Jace rolled his eyes. "Just freakin great! What a way to start the New Year!" he hissed punching the side wall. It did little to make him feel better. "I have to make an appearance at the after party at the hotel and talk to Anderson Cooper. Call Alec, tell him what happened and book me the first available flight to Vegas. I don't care if I don't get any sleep. I'm not going to lose Clary over the actions of a stupid bimbo." Jace commanded before walking into the backstage tent. Bat looked on at his friend who now stood in front of the mirror. His hands ran through his scalp throwing the confetti out of his hair. Clary was going to be pissed. He knew enough about the redheads personally to know that. He hoped that she would forgive him. Bat could attest to the fact that it was one sided and unprovoked. He quickly got out his phone and texted Maia. He texted her asking her to call him as soon as she got out of work then he proceeded to call Alec back.